Capitol Ministries

8 Dependence "T here are a lot of reasons that in-depth Bible studies are important to political leaders. Let me start with the most obvious one, and that is fellowship itself. You can have fellowship over at the bar or the gym and a lot of places, but for people who profess a common faith in Jesus Christ, the opportunity to fellowship together in His name while studying His Word is extremely important, especially for government leaders because there are so many other things that don't bring us together. They emphasize where we're different, particularly in this culture we are living in now, so there is this incredible benefit of being with brothers and sisters who you grow to love and who you share intimate things with, who you love but who hold you accountable, that is invaluable to our political process, in my view, today. But more in particular in the Senate Bible study, we drill down pretty deep. We spend weeks if not on a single verse, then on a single chapter, and several weeks on a specific passage to begin to understand intellectually. Because we are intellectual people, as politicians and government officials, we are naturally intellectually curious. And so, to be able to take that natural intellectual curiosity and apply it to Scripture with the benefit of good teaching and the additional benefit of collective wisdom of the participants is very rich. And it also allows us to drill down on theology and doctrine and application of Scripture rather than laws and regulations and other things, and there is therapy in that too. Perhaps the most important thing is at the end of the day we have a source of encouragement and a source of direction and a source of correction that is really important to the decisions we make as individuals and as an institution." Kevin Cramer U.S. Senator North Dakota "Jesus said, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.' Capitol Ministries provides weekly opportunities for members of Congress to break bread in fellowship but more importantly, to take a deep dive into the spiritual nourishment of the Word of God. The commitments that Ralph and Danielle make to organize and lead our Thursday morning studies are testaments to their heart for service, and it's a highlight of my week to attend. I encourage all members who desire to grow their knowledge and relationship with God and to grow closer to fellow believers to give the Bible study a try. Bruce Westerman U.S. Representative, Arkansas 4th Congressional District

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